A
'Back Chat' programme, aimed at the youth, started early in 2004.
This programme aims to help youths:

lend a
voice to social problems facing the Federation

use the
media and other forms of communication to espouse the views
of small island states

On
the 'Breakfast with Toni' radio programme, when members of the
SIV coordinating committee were present on 2nd March 2004, several
persons called in to talk about the title 'Back Chat', and some
callers felt that it would encourage disrespect among the youth.
As was mentioned by several speakers at the official
launch of 'Back Chat' on 12th March 2004, the programme allows
students a chance to air their feelings and concerns in a modern
way using back chat as a form of expression, however, the form
of back chat must be polite, decent and constructive.

All
the secondary schools in the Federation have been contacted and
groups of three students (age 15-18 years) and one teacher from
each school have been selected to form groups known as SIV Conch
Shells. All the school groups met together on 8th March 2004 (one
meeting in St. Kitts and one in Nevis) to discuss the project.
An official launch for Back Chat was held on Friday 12th March
2004 at the Basseterre High School Auditorium. After the opening
ceremony the students and teachers met together to form committees
for the school visits, radio/TV programmes and newsletters.